Apple Pencil Iphone 12 Pro

The 7 Best Apple Pencil Alternatives Compatible With Your iPad and iPhone

Looking for an Apple Pencil alternative with iPad and iPhone compatibility? These styluses offer a choice for every budget.

The Apple Pencil is a great way to create art or even take notes, and it comes with several features not available to any other stylus. This is, in part, thanks to Apple's integrated approach to hardware design.

But many iPad owners still use older editions of the company's tablet or are looking for a more reasonably-priced option to add a new layer of usefulness to the experience.

So, we're highlighting some great alternatives to the Apple Pencil that are compatible with many iPad models.

The Adonit Note - M is more than a great stylus for an iPad. Flip the stylus over to use an integrated mouse functionality that can be used with modern iPad models. There is also a left and right clock button and a touch panel for touch-sensitive scrolling.

As a great plus, the mouse can be used with any Bluetooth-capable device like a laptop or desktop. Anyone with a fifth-generation iPad Air or third-generation and later iPad Pro can attach the stylus to the tablet for easy travel. It also attaches to any magnetic surface.

You can use the stylus with the third- and fourth-generation iPad Air, iPad mini 5, the sixth-generation iPad and later, any iPad Pro 11-inch, and third- and fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad. The 1mm fine tip helps provide natural note-taking and drawing.

Key Features

Integrated mouse function with left/right clicks button and touch-sensitive scroll wheel
Palm rejection technology to allow you to place hand on iPad screen
Charges via a USB-C cable

Specifications

Brand: Adonit
Compatibility: iPad Air (3rd/4th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th-8th generation), iPad Pro (3rd/4th generation 12.9-inch), iPad Pro 11-inch
Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

Magnetically attaches to some iPad models
Mouse can be used with any Bluetooth-capable device

Cons

No pressure sensitivity or tilt support

The Logitech Crayon offers many features similar to the Apple Pencil, but at a more reasonable price tag. The stylus works with any 11-inch iPad Pro, any 12.9-inch iPad Pro, sixth-generation and later iPad, third-generation iPad Air, and iPad mini 5.

There's no need to worry about pairing the stylus. Just press the power button, and you'll be ready to go. The Crayon also features some of the same technology found in the Apple Pencil. That means that any app that is compatible with the Apple Pencil will also work with Logitech's option.

If you need a thicker or thinner line while drawing, just tilt the stylus. The smart tip will adjust the line weight depending on the exact angle that it's being held. Palm rejection technology will also make sure that the iPad only registers the stylus instead of any input from your hand.

Perfect for any age, the stylus is made with lightweight material, and its flat shape will make sure that it won't roll off a desk and get lost. The built-in battery provides up to 7.5 hours of drawing use on a single charge.

To help preserve the battery, the Crayon will shut off after 30 minutes of idle time. You can charge it with a regular Lightning cable, something any iPhone or iPad user likely has lying around.

Key Features

Charge with any Lightning cable
Two minutes of charge offers 30 minutes of active writing time
No pairing needed

Specifications

Brand: Logitech
Compatibility: iPad Air (3rd-4th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th-8th generation), any iPad Pro 12.9-inch, any iPad Pro 11-inch
Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

Automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of idle time
Designed to not roll off a desk

Cons

No pressure sensitivity

Anyone on a budget looking for a great stylus for both writing and drawing should look at the MoKo Active Stylus Pen. One end of the stylus features a 1.5mm fine metal point that delivers a realistic feel of a pen when writing on the screen of most iPad models and newer iPhones.

To do so, the stylus uses a built-in battery that can charge in around an hour. It provides up to eight hours of continuous usage and will automatically shut off after 30 minutes of inactivity to conserve power.

The other end sports a soft rubber tip for use without a battery, which works on any touchscreen. An integrated clip allows it to fit onto a tablet cover or in a pocket while on the go.

Key Features

Active 1.5mm metal point for realistic drawing and writing
Additional soft rubber tip to use without battery power
Soft tip works with other touchscreen devices, including an iPhone

Specifications

Brand: MoKo
Compatibility: All iPads and iPhones
Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

Slim aluminum design mimics the feel of a real pencil
Carrying clip helps make it easy to transport

Cons

No pressure sensitivity or tilt support

Another excellent Apple Pencil alternative, especially if you're just interested in note-taking and light drawing, is the SwitchEasy Easy Pencil Plus. The stylus features a design similar to the second-generation Apple model with a flat side.

That will ensure that you won't have to worry about it accidentally rolling off a desk or table. For easy travel, it can magnetically attach to some iPad Pro models and the fourth-generation iPad Air.

It charges with any USB cable and can be topped up in just 25 minutes. A quick one-minute charge offers 30 minutes of use. There no need to pair the stylus, just tap the top to turn it on. It will automatically sleep after one minute of inactivity and turn off completely after 20 minutes of no use.

The stylus is compatible with the third- and fourth-generation iPad Air, iPad mini 5, the sixth-generation iPad and later, any iPad Pro 11-inch, and third- and fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad.

Key Features

Palm rejection support so you can comfortably write or draw on an iPad
1.2mm stylus tip
Magnetic attachment to some iPad Pro models and fourth-generation iPad Air

Specifications

Brand: SwitchEasy
Compatibility: iPad Air (3rd-4th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th-8th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-4th generation), any iPad Pro 11-inch
Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

Completely charges in 25 minutes
Replaceable tip included

Cons

No pressure sensitivity or tilt support

Buy This Product

SwitchEasy Easy Pencil Plus

The Adonit Note+ has several great features and works with any 11-inch iPad Pro, any 12.9-inch iPad Pro, sixth-generation and later iPad, third-generation iPad Air, and iPad mini 5.

The stylus is compatible with several popular note-taking and drawing apps. You can customize both shortcut buttons on the stylus to quickly access features like erase, undo, or redo. While drawing, the stylus can support up to 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity.

It also supports a natural title feature that allows you to create a shaded effect when using specific brushes. It even features natural palm rejection. A single charge provides up to 10 hours of use of the stylus. You can charge it with the included USB-C cable. In a pinch, a five-minute charge will give an hour of service.

Key Features

2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity
Tilt support to create shade effect
Palm rejection technology

Specifications

Brand: Adonit
Compatibility: iPad Air (3rd/4th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th-8th generation), iPad Pro (3rd/4th generation 12.9-inch), iPad Pro 11-inch
Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

Five minutes charge provides an hour of use

Cons

Only compatible with a limited number of iPad apps

The XIRON Active Stylus is ideal for note-taking and features a slim 1.2mm tip to replicate the feel of a real pen. Palm rejection technology also adds more comfort while writing.

The XIRON Active Stylus is a great choice for someone looking for a reasonably priced option to take notes on the iPad. Featuring palm-rejection technology, you can comfortably write on the tablet screen without worrying about extra input. A 1.2mm tip precisely replicates the feel of a real pen.

There's no need to worry about pairing; just press the on button on top of the stylus. The built-in battery provides up to 20 hours of use on a single charge. You can completely charge the stylus in 1.5 hours with a USB-C cable.

It's compatible with the third- and fourth-generation iPad Air, iPad mini 5, the sixth-generation iPad and later, any iPad Pro 11-inch, and third- and fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad.

Key Features

Slim 1.2mm tip replicates a real pen
Palm rejection so you can comfortably write with a hand on the tablet screen
Battery provides up to 20 hours of use

Specifications

Brand: XIRON
Compatibility: iPad Air (3rd-4th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th-8th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch
Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

Available in black or white
No pairing needed

Cons

No pressure sensitivity or tilt support

The Milemont Stylus could be one of the best options for note-takers and artists. And the most significant feature is that the stylus works on any touchscreen device, including an iPhone.

There's no need for pairing, just turn the stylus on, and you'll be ready to go. It provides up to 8 hours of use on a single charge. It will automatically switch off after a period to help preserve the battery.

Key Features

No pairing needing
Battery provides up to 8 hours of use
Charging port protected by cap

Specifications

Brand: Milemont
Compatibility: Most iPad models
Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros

Supports tilt and pressure sensitivity
Works with any touchscreen device

Cons

Costs almost as much as an Apple Pencil

FAQ

Q: Is There a Cheaper Alternative to the Apple Pencil?

One of the most significant downsides of the Apple Pencil is the cost. But the best news is that there are several cheaper alternatives to the Apple Pencil.

While they don't have the exclusive features of Apple's official model, you can definitely find something for you, especially if you're looking to do occasional note-taking or drawing.

Q: What Features Are Exclusive to the Apple Pencil and Not Available on Other Styluses?

If you select an Apple Pencil alternative, a few Pencil-exclusive features are not available to other models. That's due to Apple's tight integration of hardware and software. Both generations of Apple Pencil can be charged using an iPad.

They also automatically pair to a tablet. There are also some software features. For example, you can use the stylus to draw across iPadOS to fill text fields like a site address.

Q: Is Logitech Crayon Better Than Apple Pencil?

If deciding between the Logitech Crayon and Apple Pencil, there are a few differences to note. The biggest is that the Crayon doesn't offer pressure sensitivity. That might be a deal-breaker for anyone looking to use a stylus for drawing.

But along with the lower price, Crayon stacks up well against the first-generation Apple Pencil, including a design that won't roll of a desk and more comfortable for younger users to hold in their hand.

We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! MUO has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won't affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

About The Author

Brent Dirks (214 Articles Published)

Born and raised in sunny west Texas, Brent graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in journalism. He's been writing about technology for more than 5 years and enjoys all things Apple, accessories, and security.